Seafood
How long does raw salmon last in the fridge?
Raw salmon, tuna, and mackerel keep just 1–2 days in the fridge — cook it the day it comes home, or freeze it, where the oily fish hold 2–3 months before the fat turns.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 2–3 months |
| Safe minimum temp | 145°F |
Can you freeze salmon? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Raw salmon is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if raw salmon has gone bad
- A strong fishy or ammonia smell — fresh fish smells like clean water
- Flesh that stays dented when you press it
- Dull, graying color with gaps opening between the flakes
- Milky, sticky liquid in the tray
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cook it to 145°F, until it turns opaque and barely flakes — past that the oil renders out and takes the texture with it.
Quick answers
How long does raw salmon last in the fridge?
Raw salmon, tuna, and mackerel keep just 1–2 days in the fridge — cook it the day it comes home, or freeze it, where the oily fish hold 2–3 months before the fat turns.
Can you freeze raw salmon?
Salmon freezes well but not for long — USDA gives fatty fish 2–3 months, a fraction of what a lean white fillet gets.
How long can raw salmon sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to raw salmon. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).